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"So how was the sale? Zion told me your man kicked them out," Gigi said, sitting at my island, casually popping a piece of bacon in her mouth while I flipped pancakes.
"I can't believe you got me cooking this shit," I muttered, shaking my head. "I told you, my back is already spreading."
"Shut up and cook. Don't nobody want no damn omelet," Gigi shot back, smirking as she reached for another piece of bacon.
I laughed, flipping the pancakes. "You're lucky I love you. But yes, you heard right. Ahmed—who, for the third time, is not my man—pretty much kicked them out. I'm just glad I had time to give Koda my number before he did."
Gigi's eyes widened as she nearly choked on her bacon. "Hold on, what? You actually gave it to him?"
I shrugged, keeping my voice casual even though I knew she was about to lose it. "Yup."
She slammed her hand on the counter, grinning. "Omg! I thought you were gonna chicken out, honestly"
I rolled my eyes, turning off the stove. "Damn, you must really know me. You're right though, I wasn't even gonna entertain him at first. But then..." I trailed off, pouring us both some orange juice.
"Then what?" Gigi pressed, her voice full of curiosity.
I set the glasses down on the island and sat across from her. "On our way to the apartment, Ahmed's phone started ringing, right? And guess whose name popped up?"
Her jaw dropped dramatically. "Don't tell me it was Raven."
I nodded, stabbing my fork into my pancake. "Sure was. The way he just ignored it like I didn't see the whole name light up on his screen really pissed me off. So I was like yeah, nah. I just told myself that since he clearly doesn't want me I'm not gonna keep starving myself from having a man."
Gigi leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "I used to love Ahmed for you, I mean love. But, he always doing that push-and-pull shit. Like, why can't he just admit he wants you and stop acting dumb?"
I shrugged, taking a bite of my pancake. "That's because he doesn't want me, obviously. At this point, I don't even care anymore. If he can have Raven blowing his phone up, then I can see what's up with Koda. Period."
Gigi nodded, tapping her fork against her plate. "So, what you gon' do? You texted Koda yet?"
"Not yet," I admitted. "I told him I'd hit him up later, but I'm still tryna figure out what I'm on. I don't wanna make it seem like I'm just doing it to prove a point."
Gigi raised an eyebrow. "Are you though? Be real."
I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "Maybe a little. But Koda really does seem cool. He's fine, funny, and didn't come off too thirsty. It's just... I don't know. Something about him just... I don't know. You know my discernment be on point"
"That's true, you always have been able to read people. But still, give him a chance. He real cool."
••• 11:30 AM
"How many appointments we got today?" I asked Ahmed who was unboxing some new inventory
I couldn't help but glance at him. He was unboxing the new sneakers like it was the most casual thing, but there was something about the way he handled the boxes so gently that was just... sexy. I shook my head, trying to shake off the thought. I wasn't about to get caught up in my feelings for him again.
"Just like 3, they high profile clients though" He replied with a smirk
"Ooouu look at you! Like who?"
"Polo G, Lil Meech, and some nigga that play for the Bulls."
I smirked. "Mmm, I can handle Polo & Meech for you. You know I'm a good ass sell-"
"Don't even fuckin' think about it" Ahmed cut me off as he chuckled
I gasped. "What? Im trynna help you get paid, Ahmed. You're my bestie for the restieee" I said, attempting to butter him up
Ahmed just ignored me while he grabbed the remote and turned the TV on.
"You so lame. I been craving some hibachi though. You wanna go when we get off?" I snapped a few photos of the new inventory for the store's Instagram
"Hibachi? What time?"
"Uhhh soon as when we get off Ahmed. I just said that" I chuckled
"Nah, I can't. I got plans at 6 mama"
I paused and raised an eyebrow. "Plans? With whom?"
He hesitated, just enough for me to notice. "Uhh... Raven. I'm taking her to the fair tonight."
I froze for a second, the words hitting me harder than I expected. I tried to keep my face neutral, but my stomach tightened a little.
I really wanted to crash out right about now.
I don't even know why I was surprised, though. She was clearly what Ahmed wanted. And I had no right to be mad.
I forced myself to smile, but it felt tight, unnatural. "Oh. Okay... cool. Have fun at the fair." I said, trying to sound indifferent, but the bitterness was starting to creep into my tone.
It was silent for a while. Just the sound of Ahmed tearing open the boxes. I could feel his eyes on me, but I refused to look up. I didn't want him to see the flicker of jealousy or frustration written all over my face. Instead, I cleared my throat, deciding to shift my thoughts.
Pulling my phone out of my back pocket, I unlocked it, scrolling through my messages. I tried to keep my movements casual, but I felt the weight of his gaze on me as I opened up Koda's thread.
His last text still sat there, waiting for me to respond.
